Comparative analysis of numerical models of arch-shaped steel sheet sections

The modern construction industry makes use of innovative production and assembly technologies, whose purpose is to implement reliable and simple structures. One product of such technologies is an arch-shaped steel sheet section that might be used as a self-supporting covering for general construction and industrial building construction. Considering complex geometry and boundary conditions, the FEM model of this structure is sophisticated and may contain errors. This paper presents numerical approaches for the calculation of sheet metal section elements of such coverings, namely two numerical approaches that differ in detailing of the properties of considered physical object. The first approach is based on a model that is characterized by simplified geometry and boundary conditions. The second scenario concerns a detailed FEM model with actual geometry captured by a laser triangulation method, experimentally determined material stress–strain relationship, and load conditions measured on an experimental stand. The results obtained with the use of computer simulations based on both approaches described above and experimental results are compared. The errors caused by simplification of the first numerical model are discussed. Finally, an acceptable reduction of FEM model complexity is proposed for the analyzed structure.